A simple question, with only two possible answers, Skald or no Skald.
Of course yea, our language is extremely mutable and if it gets across a concept then why should anyone object?
There are probably better verbs that could be used in its place. Even affect would be better most of the time. But it’s in common use and is understandable as a verb, so meh.
To be a douchebag? Other than that, I got nothin’.
Absolutely, if you’re talking about impacted teeth or the like. It’s not such a great word when it means “to affect,” though.
Two bonuses to using the verb “to impact”:
a) a subjective one – it’s got more punch than “to affect”. That can and does lead to overuse/exaggeration, however.
b) it helps avoid the dread “effect/affect” spelling error 
This fight was lost as of 1977, by the way.
Red Leader: Negative. It didn’t go in. It just impacted on the surface.
Oooh, Scarlett, Scarlett, Scarlett, I figured you’d be on the side of the angels on this one …
I don’t see how anyone can answer “no” without disqualifying a bunch of dictionaries, not to mention all the English speakers that use it. I mean, it even has a straight, clear Latin etymology (impactus). Where’s the argument?
Do you think there’s anything I can say that will impact their decision?
Here’s my take: Technically, it’s supported as a verb from 1601, according to MW11. Nonetheless, its modern use in business-speak sets my teeth on edge, and I toss it as often as I can get away with doing so.
Better?
Maybe they think all those dictionaries, and all those English speakers who use it are wrong.
That sounds like a stylistic issue, then – a general avoidance of the cliches & jargon of contemporary “business-speak”.
Significantly. Thank you.
It’s the way the language is headed, but every time I hear it I think of some cliched middle management buffoon who is taking a proactive approach to the new paradigm.
Yes, that’s all. I’m not arguing it isn’t a word and I don’t think anybody else is either. But it does annoy the crap out of me because of the jargon factor.
My brain is slow today. Can I have an example of how it is used in business-speak?
I’m not a big fan of the business sense, but this doesn’t bother me at all (where we’re talking about something causing a literal impact).
But I’ll use even the business sense from time to time: my status reports often have lines about having “impacted the paradigm for greater synergy” – and no one’s ever asked me what I mean.
“These third quarter results exclude the costs of right-sizing our company, which is expected to impact earnings by $10 to $15 million.”
OK. I’m good with that.
According to her orthodontist, my daughter has impacted wisdom teeth. I’m not sure what they were impacting or what the impact of this was. I assume that once I pay a huge sum of money to have them remove they will have been impacted, but no longer have an impact. I hope you’ve found this anecdote impactful (sic).